President Trump rebuked a reporter during a White House press briefing for asking a question about ventilator distribution.
During a White House press briefing on the coronavirus pandemic, ABC White House correspondent Jonathan Karl asked President Trump if he could guarantee that everyone who needs certain medical equipment will be able to obtain it.
“Are you able to guarantee, to assure, these states, these hospitals, that everybody who needs a ventilator will get a ventilator?” asked Karl.
“So, here’s what I’ll tell you. I think we’re in really good shape,” Trump began, while later touting the administration’s distribution of ventilators to certain states. “I think we’re in great shape. I hope that’s the case. I hope that we’re going to have leftovers so we can help other people, other countries.”
“So, everybody who needs one will be able to get a ventilator?” Karl asked again.
“Look, don’t be a cutie pie. OK?” Trump responded. “Nobody’s ever done what we’ve done. Nobody’s done anything like we’ve been able to do.”
On Friday, President Trump utilized powers granted by the Defense Production Act, directing General Motors to begin producing ventilators.
“Today, I signed a presidential memorandum directing the secretary of Health and Human Services to use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize federal contracts for ventilators,” the president said of the order.
“Our negotiations with GM regarding its ability to supply ventilators have been productive, but our fight against the virus is too urgent to allow the give-and-take of the contracting process to continue to run its normal course. GM was wasting time. Today’s action will help ensure the quick production of ventilators that will save American lives.”
The order allows Trump to direct companies to manufacture necessary goods during emergency situations. Earlier in March, the president also declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency to “unleash the full power of the federal government.”
More than 591,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus globally. Of those, at least 26,900 have died from it, and more than 130,900 have recovered. The United States has seen at least 101,000 confirmed cases, with more than 1,500 deaths and 869 reported recoveries.
